World Player of the Week: Mark Farren - Derry City

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Once again there was stiff competition from across the globe, but in the end there was one stand-out candidate in the shape of an unheralded Irishman

World Player of the Week

Mark Farren

AGE

30

POSITION

Attacker

FOR

Derry City

WEEK IN NUMBERS

APPS (GOALS SCORED)

1 (3)

TIME ON PITCH

90

PREVIOUS WINS

0

Derry City

7-1

Mervue United

Back in 2010 it seemed unlikely that Mark Farren would ever play football again after the Derry City forward was forced to undergo brain surgery, but just two years on from that traumatic period, his fairytale return was complete on Friday night.

As his side demolished Mervue United 7-1 in the FAI Cup, the 30-year-old scored a superb hat-trick, which took his tally at the Brandywell Stadium to 113 goals, and saw him break the club's all-time scoring record previously held by the legendary Liam Coyle.

Congratulations to Mark Farren, Goal.com's 174th World Player of the Week winner!

Honourable Mention

Hernanes - Lazio

The Brazilian playmaker was in fine form throughout as his side breezed past Chievo in Verona yesterday, opening the scoring, setting up the second with an excellent solo run, and rounded off the victory 17 minutes from time.

Jozy Altidore - AZ

The American finally appears to be finding his best form at club level, and with devastating effect. The 22-year-old took his season tally to seven goals with a treble against Roda JC, and set up a further strike for a team-mate. And all that after a long-haul trip from the States to the Netherlands on Friday.

Szabolcs Huszti - HannoverThe Hungarian playmaker's return to the AWD Arena has yielded spectacular results so far this season, and he did not disappoint for the north Germany derby against Werder Bremen, scoring an early opener, and a spectacular stoppage time winner in an enthralling 3-2 for Mirko Slomka's side.

Lionel Messi - Barcelona

With Real Madrid having slumped to a defeat at Getafe this season, one could be forgiven for thinking that Barcelona would not have such an easy time of it. However, after coming off the bench, Lionel Messi made the difference in typical fashion, scoring twice to take his tally for the season to a remarkable eight goals in all competitions.

Neymar - Brazil/Santos

Therising star of Brazilian football had to face the taunts of his own fans as the Selecao limped to a 1-0 win over South Africa, but scored a hat-trick a few days later as his side thumped China 8-0. He then made a triumphant return to club action, scoring the winner against Flamengo, before scoring a wonder goal a few days later against Coritiba.

On Sunday, we encouraged our readers to nominate their choices for the best player of the week. Here are some of the comments we received:

Thierry Henry failed to make the cut this week, and Nyach_ will not be best pleased with that...

"Thierry Henry continues to wow the football world with his magical abilities. Deserves it utterly."

Tenzil Kem did not miss Huszti's feats over the weekend.

"Huszti for that awesome sideway bicycle kick in injury time that let his side, Hannover, win."

Rob Lopez-Izaguirre believes that Jozy Altidore's efforts in the Eredivisie were worthy of being saluted.

"ALTIDORE from AZ ALKMAAR!!"

Over in England, Mohammed Saadi believes that Alexander Buttner's Manchester United debut was enough to see him through.

"A. Buttner from Manchester United."

Each week our worldwide team of editors will put forward a selected candidate, as chosen by Goal.com International, who deserves recognition for achieving something special that matchday.

You can also help us choose a worthy recipient of the weekly accolade by leaving your nominations and comments here. Your suggestions will be taken into consideration.

It won't necessarily be the best player in the world - at least not usually - but whoever we crown will have accomplished something amazing. It might be for a particularly awesome performance or for something praiseworthy off the pitch - either way, the person in question deserves special attention...